Bye

Definition

Bye is a noun and an interjection. As an interjection, it is a casual expression used to indicate farewell. As a noun, it refers to the automatic advancement of a player or team to the next round in a tournament without competing in that particular round.

Parts of Speech

• Interjection
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪ/
• Respelling: b-eye

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪ/
• Respelling: b-eye

Etymology

The word "bye" is derived from the shortened form of "goodbye," which itself is a contraction of "God be with ye." The use of "bye" as an interjection emerged in the late 16th century. As a noun, "bye" was first used in sports contexts in the mid-19th century to denote a player's automatic advancement in a tournament bracket.

Derivatives

• Goodbye (interjection)
• Byes (plural noun)
• Bye-bye (interjection)
• Bye week (noun, sports)
• Bye round (noun, sports)

Synonyms

• Farewell
• Goodbye
• See you

Antonyms

• Welcome
• Hello
• Greeting

Usage

The term "bye" is commonly used as a casual farewell and is also used in tournament contexts to indicate a player’s automatic advancement. For example, "She waved and said, 'Bye!'" or "The team received a bye in the first round of the playoffs."

Related Terms

• Farewell: A formal expression of goodbye.
• Adieu: A formal or poetic expression of parting.
• Bye week: A scheduled week off in a tournament or season, often in sports.

Detailed Definitions

Interjection

• A casual expression of farewell: Used informally to bid someone goodbye or express parting.
  • Example: "She smiled and said, 'Bye!'

Noun

• An automatic advancement in a tournament: Refers to a situation where a competitor or team moves to the next round without having to compete.
  • Example: "They received a bye in the first round."